Performance Analysis of a Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Battery: The Effect of Ambient Temperature

A model of a membrane electrode assembly is considered as regards the effect of various climatic conditions on the specific power characteristics. The developed model is analyzed in comparison with a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack operating at different ambient temperatures. The deviation (less than 10%) between the model and the experiment in the temperature range from –10 to +10°С is demonstrated. The ambient temperature of 10°C is found to be optimal for the battery operation The specific power is shown to decrease by 0.006–0.008 W/cm² every 10°C above zero, which is insignificant and can be compensated using a buffer energy storage device.